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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

We compared every aspect of Carnival's US and UK cruise ships. Here's what it's like to sail on each.

• ​​The Carnival Corporation owns Carnival Cruises and Cunard , its mainstream and luxury line, respectively.
• Insider's NYC and London reporters were on board a Carnival Cruise and Cunard Cruise last year.
• The cruises were vastly different, and nearly every aspect of the Cunard cruise was more formal. 

Last year, Insider's reporters went on two of the first cruises to leave the US and UK amid the pandemic.

In July, Monica Humphries  joined 2,700 vaccinated passengers on the Carnival Vista, the first Carnival ship out of the US since the pandemic. The ship embarked from Galveston, Texas, and made stops in Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Approximately 95% of passengers on Monica's cruise were required to be fully vaccinated before boarding. 

Mikhaila Friel boarded Cunard's Queen Elizabeth ship in October for a five-night Western Europe voyage which embarked and disembarked from Southampton, England, and stopped in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for two nights. She was one of 1,248 passengers on board, and all passengers were required to be fully vaccinated before fully boarding. 

(For full disclosure, Insider paid for both cruises, per our reporting standards.)

Carnival Corporation owns both Cunard and Carnival Cruise Lines. Before boarding, both reporters were aware of each cruise line's differing reputations.

While both Cunard and Carnival Cruise Lines are owned and operated by Carnival Corporation, each line attracts vacationers looking for different experiences. 

Founded in 1972 by business mogul Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Lines is known for its "fun ships," which operate budget-friendly cruises with various entertainment, according to Cruise Critic .

Cunard was founded over a century earlier in 1840. In 1998, Carnival Corporation took over and purchased it, and Cunard has since earned the reputation as one of Britain's most formal and luxurious cruise lines . Most recently, it won the Best Luxury Cruise Line award at the British Travel Awards 2019.

The reputations held up, affording drastically different experiences aboard each ship. At the heart of the difference was the formality — or lack thereof.

Throughout the entire cruise, Mikhaila spotted details — like ballroom-dancing classes and jazz band performances — that helped the Cunard line establish itself as a luxury vacation.

Meanwhile, the details Monica noticed , which included casinos and casual formal nights, fit right into Carnival Cruises' reputation as a "fun ship." 

Here's a closer look at how the two ships differed.

The first major difference was the price tag. Mikhaila's five-day Cunard cruise cost $20 more per day than Monica's seven-day Carnival cruise.

Monica's seven-day cruise cost $1,081, or about £788, without gratuities. Mikhaila's cruise cost £628, or around $856 without gratuities.

The nightly rate on the Carnival Vista was about $20 cheaper than the Queen Elizabeth. 

The Carnival Vista is a mammoth ship compared to the Queen Elizabeth.

The Carnival Vista ship can hold up to 3,934 passengers compared to the Queen Elizabeth's 2,081 guest capacity. The Carnival Vista is 1,000 feet long and 133,500 tons with 15 decks and 1,450 employees.

Meanwhile, the Queen Elizabeth ship is slightly smaller in length at 965 feet, has 980 crew members, and 12 decks. The ship weighs around 90,900 tons , according to Travel Weekly.

Stepping onto the ship showcased each cruise line's style. When Monica boarded the Carnival Vista, there was a party atmosphere. Mikhaila was welcomed with calming music.

Monica noted that everyone on the Carnival Vista was celebrating the moment they stepped onto the ship. She spotted people sipping pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris at the bar, and loud music echoed through the lobby. 

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth guests were welcomed by musicians who played relaxing music, Mikhaila reported. Passengers were scattered across the ship, with some indulging in afternoon tea and others lounging on deck chairs.

The most obvious difference was spotted on formal nights. On the Carnival Vista, formal night was optional with some passengers in shorts and sundresses. On Cunard, floor-length gowns were the norm.

For formal night, Monica dressed in a casual black jumper and strappy sandals. While she wasn't overdressed, she also wasn't underdressed. Throughout the night, she spotted a handful of passengers in gowns, but the vast majority of people wore shorts and casual dresses.

Meanwhile, there were two formal nights on Mikhaila's cruise, both of which were themed. Mikhaila dressed to both themes (black-and-white theme and roaring '20s theme, pictured above). Although guests were not required to dress to the theme, they were asked to dress in formal wear when dining in the main restaurant. 

The food and eateries on each ship were also different. The Carnival Vista has over a dozen places to eat. The Queen Elizabeth has just two main restaurants.

Guests on the Carnival Vista could choose between 13 eateries including buffets, sit-down restaurants, taco stands, and burger joints. Some of the restaurants were free and others came with an added cost, but there was clearly an abundance of options. 

Meanwhile, guests on the Queen Elizabeth could choose from the Britannia restaurant or the Lido buffet for their meals and snacks. There were also three other formal restaurants, which were exclusive to guests staying in the luxury penthouse suites.

The reporters had a similar experience inside each ship's main dining room. Wait staff dressed in button-down shirts and slacks and served well-plated, three-course meals.

Each night, Monica and Mikhaila joined hundreds of passengers for dinner in their ship's main dining room. The menus, which offered guests an appetizer, main entrée, and dessert, were served by cruise workers in smart attire.

The Carnival Vista had typical American eateries like a burger joint and smokehouse, while the Queen Elizabeth had an afternoon tea station in the buffet restaurant.

The Carnival Vista embraced American cuisine. The ship had everything from Guy Fieri's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse to Guy's Burger Joint to a pub and brewery. With so many options, Monica was bound to find something she liked. But by the end of the trip, a taco stand serving bean tacos and taco salads became her favorite spot. 

Meanwhile, Mikhaila enjoyed Cunard's afternoon tea in the Lido buffet, which involved a selection of cakes and scones. While Mikhaila noticed there wasn't as wide a variety of food as on Monica's cruise, she thought the quality of food was excellent.

Each ship had a buffet.

Both buffets on the Cunard and Carnival ships offered a range of items, from pasta, pizza, to cakes.

Decor fit royalty standards throughout the Queen Elizabeth. On the Carnival Vista, the decor had a tropical theme that embraced palm trees.

The Carnival Vista had simple decor that showcased Carnival branding. During the cruise, which took place on the Fourth of July, staff added extra decorations like ribbons, banners, and streamers. 

But the decor couldn't compare to the chandeliers and luxury details found throughout the Queen Elizabeth. The ship's decor also hinted at its connection to royalty , with several portraits of the Queen and Prince Philip.

The cruise line has been linked to the British royal family since 1934 when it named a ship after Queen Mary, according to its website.

Guests on the Queen Elizabeth could fill their days with activities like ballroom dancing, jazz, and theater. On the Carnival Vista, karaoke and trivia were popular pastimes.

Ballroom dancing appeared to be one of the more popular activities during Mikhaila's time on the Queen Elizabeth, but there was also a nightclub that played more modern music.

There were some refined activities on the Carnival Vista. A band played at the Havana Bar and an art auction took place a few times on the seven-day journey. But the activities Monica noticed to be the most crowded embraced louder music, singing, and dancing. For example, karaoke was a hit and crowds flocked to the cruise deck every night for a dance party.

The ship's entertainment also targeted different audiences. The Carnival Vista had raunchy comedy and a rock-and-roll-themed show. On the Queen Elizabeth, there were professional dancers.

The entertainment on the Carnival Vista embraced a fun, carefree attitude. Monica attended shows where audience members were urged to sing and dance to performances of rock-and-roll songs. And nearly every night, she noticed that the comedy bar was packed with people laughing at the adults-only show.

Meanwhile, on the Queen Elizabeth, guests were able to try ballroom dancing, and were also treated to a performance from a professional dancing duo. Mikhaila also noticed professional violinists playing in the lobby each night.

Outside of entertainment and events, most people on Carnival Vista spent their days poolside. On the Queen Elizabeth, the pools weren't as crowded.

Water was a main attraction on the Carnival Vista. The ship had three pools, six hot tubs, and an entire waterpark. Nearly every chair and lounger near the pool would be filled each afternoon, and Monica noticed the pool was often crowded with swimmers.

The Queen Elizabeth had an outdoor pool and a hot tub, however, Mikhaila noticed that the chilly October weather meant there weren't as many people enjoying it.

There were a few differences inside their cabins. A bottle of wine and coffee were waiting for Mikhaila on the Queen Elizabeth, but Monica had 33 more square feet in her room on the Carnival Vista.

Both reporters stayed inside the cheapest rooms available on their respective ships.

The interior stateroom on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth , which cost slightly more, was advertised online as 152 square feet , while the room on the Carnival Vista was a bit larger at 185 square feet .

The rooms seemed similar and both had a King-size bed, bathroom, and closet

When Mikhaila arrived in her room, she had a bottle of wine and a coffee station waiting for her, which is standard for Cunard cruises. Monica did not.

Mikhaila's excursion options ranged from a walking tour of Amsterdam to a canal cruise. Monica's ship offered activities with more of a water and beach focus.

With vastly different destinations — Amsterdam versus Cozumel, Belize, and Honduras — the activities that were offered to passengers were also contrasting.

During the seven-day cruise, Monica went scuba diving for $92 and on a snorkeling and kayaking excursion that cost $47. Mikhaila embarked on a walking tour and canal cruise, which cost $72.

Both reporters disembarked with drastically different experiences. Mikhaila's trip embraced luxury and formality whereas Monica's was the embodiment of fun.

While both reporters traveled on large ships, Monica disembarked the Carnival Vista with a sunburn and memories of swimming in the Caribbean. 

Meanwhile, Mikhaila packed up her floor-length dresses and disembarked full of treats from afternoon tea.

While the cruises may be owned by the same corporation, the atmosphere created on each ship couldn't be more different — and that's probably for the best.

Sailing is subjective, with passengers from around the world choosing the experience for an abundance of reasons. Having drastically different cruise lines to choose from will help ensure travelers choose the right cruise line, and ship, for their interests.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES BIG BALCONY BONUS SALE! Limited Time Extra Savings & Onboard Credit! Find out more…

02380 658 386

Sail from UK Sail from UK

Carnival Celebration

launched 2022

tonnage 180,800

length 344 m

capacity 5,374

CARNIVAL CELEBRATION: GREAT FUN TOGETHER, ALL POWERED BY LNG

You know, it’s hard work making effortlessly-fun vacations. That’s why we’re looking forward to kicking back with you on Carnival Celebration as we toast to the last 50 years. 

• accommodation

Carnival Excel Presidential Suite

The largest stateroom with the best view on the ship, the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite features a separate living room and bedroom (each with a TV), a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa. There’s also a dining area with a wet bar. You’ll find deluxe extras like a bathroom with large shower and two sinks, plus we put the toilet and an extra sink in a separate room for convenience and privacy. Enjoy your private tub on the large wraparound balcony along with plenty of loungy seating options and an al fresco dining table.

Amenities exclusive to Carnival Excel Presidential Suites:

• Complimentary access to Thermal Suites and Havana Pool

Plus, all Carnival Excel suites include:

• Complimentary access to Loft 19, plus priority cabana reservations
• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Guaranteed Main Dining Room time assignment
• Guaranteed reservations at most specialty dining spots, when reserved 24 hours prior
• Sparkling wine and fruit bowl upon arrival
• Bottomless Bubbles soft drink package
• Complimentary room service, on-demand movies and laundry service
• Upgraded bathroom amenities
• Coffee maker

Plus, all suites include:

• Priority check-in and express boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at all ports
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Carnival Excel Aft Suite

A Carnival Excel Aft Suite is one of the most spacious rooms on the ship with a wraparound balcony made for entertaining. (It has a private hot tub, dining area, daybed, plus plenty of loungy seating!) Back inside, you’ll find a separate living room and bedroom with perks like two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity, a sectional sofa, and an ample bathroom with large shower and double sink, plus a separate private room for the toilet and an extra sink.

Amenities exclusive to Carnival Excel suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding

Carnival Excel Corner Suite

A Carnival Excel Corner Suite features tons of indoor space, plus a large wraparound balcony with lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table. Back inside this impressive room you’ll find a king-size bed, deluxe bathroom, plus a living room featuring a wet bar.

Carnival Excel Corner Suite (Split Balcony)

A Carnival Excel Corner Suite (Split Balcony) has tons of indoor space, plus a large wraparound balcony featuring two separate lounging areas, lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table. Back inside this impressive room you’ll find a king-size bed, deluxe bathroom, plus a living room featuring a wet bar.

Havana Cabana Corner Suite

In a Havana Cabana Corner Suite you’ll find all the comforts of a normal suite… decked out in Cuba-inspired décor! Inside the room are separate living room and bedroom areas, with a TV in each, plus convenient extras like a sectional sofa and walk-in closet. Outside your amazing room lies a private lanai with your own swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Amenities exclusive to Havana staterooms:

• Exclusive daytime access to Havana Pool area

Havana Cabana Suite

In this room you’ll find all the comfort of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired décor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a luxurious lounging area with your own deck chairs and swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Carnival Excel Suite

In a Carnival Excel Suite, you’ll find not only a bathroom with a spacious shower and a double sink, but a good amount of room for living and lounging with truly nice-to-haves like a dining area and two TVs. Your room also features extra space for kicking back on your large balcony featuring lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table.

Cloud 9 Spa Suite

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in spa-style accommodations. This large room features a unique, soothing décor, with plenty of convenience, like the vanity with illuminated mirror. Outdoors, take in the sea breeze and views from the large balcony.

Amenities exclusive to Cloud 9 Spa staterooms:

• Unique welcome ritual
• Priority spa reservations
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites, plus scrub kit
• Two complimentary fitness classes (per guest)
• Complimentary body composition analysis
• Exclusive discounts on treatments during port days
• Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers
• Upgraded Elemis in-stateroom toiletries

Ocean Suite (Extended Balcony)

A Carnival Celebration Ocean Suite Extended Balcony offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus extra space for kicking back outdoors on your extended balcony. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom!

Amenities exclusive to Suites:

Ocean Suite

An Ocean Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom!

• • Priority check-in and boarding
• • Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• • Priority debarkation at all ports
• • Two large bottles of water
• • Pillow-top mattress
• • Bathrobes

Family Harbor Ocean View Suite

Enjoy the sea with views from your picture window and a unique nautical décor in your Family Harbor Ocean View Suite. These suites sleep five and feature a separate bedroom and living room area, with a TV in each. You also get a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and separate washroom.

Amenities exclusive to Family Harbour staterooms:

• Exclusive access to the Family Harbour Lounge
• Daily breakfast and snacks in the Family Harbour Lounge
• A selection of board games, family movies and video games in the Family Harbour Lounge
• Kids eat free at most onboard specialty restaurants
• Free evening of Night Owls babysitting service at Camp Ocean

Suite Guarantee

A Suite Guarantee offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom!

Havana Extended Cabana

Right outside your Havana Extended Cabana lies an outdoor patio complete with your own loungy deck chairs. Back inside the room you’ll enjoy Cuba-inspired décor , plus loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Cabana

Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio, complete with your own loungy deck chairs. These rooms also feature Cuba-inspired décor, plus loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony

A Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony stateroom sits closer to the waterline than most rooms, which means that your balcony puts you in a prime position to check out those waves, for a little added relaxation.

Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony

Add to your relaxation in a Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony featuring a larger than standard balcony that faces forward, so you’re getting a view of what’s up ahead of the ship, sort of like the captain’s view! (Note that rooms of this type have partially obstructed views.)

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony

With its soothing décor and outdoor ocean breeze, there’s no better place to warm up for your spa appointment or wind down after your treatment than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony.

Premium-View Extended Balcony

Premium-View Extended Balcony staterooms face forward or backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your vacation featuring what’s up ahead or behind the ship! (Note that forward-facing rooms have partially obstructed views.)

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more outdoor lounge-around room, plus all the comfort you expect indoors with a great view and plenty of sunlight.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views. Cruise with a view and be just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis.

Two twin beds (convert to king), single sofa bed and one upper pullman. Sofa, plus vanity with illuminated mirror. Full bathroom with shower. Ample closet space. Private balcony with patio chairs and table.

• Dedicated room steward
• Soft, cozy linens (Carnival Comfort Collection®)
• In-room safe for valuables
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Stateroom climate control
• Bathrobes upon request

Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony staterooms get you close to the waterline for one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

Junior Balcony

A Junior Balcony stateroom features the same size balcony as standard Balcony rooms, with the same sea breeze and views, just with a little less interior space.

Balcony Guarantee

Balcony Guarantee staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views. Cruise with a view and be just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis.

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom… and this one fits the bill, pairing comfy accommodations with a great view.

Catch a glimpse of what’s going by from your comfy Ocean View stateroom, where you’ll get views you won’t find anywhere on land.

Family Harbour Ocean View

Let the whole family experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view, plus Family Harbour Ocean View staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself.

Ocean View Guarantee

Catch a glimpse of what’s going by from your comfy Ocean View Guarantee stateroom, where you’ll get views you won’t find anywhere on land.

Two twin beds (convert to king), single sofa bed and one upper pullman. Sofa, plus vanity with illuminated mirror. Full bathroom with shower. Ample closet space. Connecting door to adjacent stateroom. Picture window.

Cloud 9 Spa Interior

We’ve taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms. Your room is the perfect place to just relax and take some you-time, anytime.

Premium Interior

If you’re more about the comfort than you are the view, get a nice step up from a standard Interior room with a Premium Interior. This room has the same floorplan as some higher-priced rooms (just without the balcony) featuring a sitting area with a sofa to lounge in comfort.

Havana Interior

For a stateroom with extra sabor — for not a lot of dinero — check out a Havana Interior stateroom, all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style for a great price! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Family Harbour Interior

Family Harbour Interior staterooms are not only an affordable way to keep the family close, but feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself.

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and interiors don’t leave out the comfort! This room is great for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Interior Guarantee

An Interior Guarantee stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and interiors don’t leave out the comfort! This room is great for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Two twin beds (convert to king) and two upper pullmans. Vanity with illuminated mirror. Full bathroom with shower. Ample closet space.

Other Details

Adults Only: Kids allowed

Childrens Facilities: Available

Nursery: Nursery

Smoking: Some

• A gratuity may be extended to room service staff as service is rendered.
• Standard Staterooms: $13.99 USD per person, per day *
• Suite Staterooms: $15.99 USD per person, per day *
• Standard Staterooms: $14.50 USD per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $16.50 USD per person, per day
• Gratuities are assessed on all guests, with the exception of children under the age of 2.
• Gratuities apply regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or open seating dining.
• For beverage purchases, an 18% service charge will be added to the bill.

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Discover Carnival Ships

Carnival Breeze

Let Carnival Breeze gently sweep you through stunning ports of call on a Grand Mediterranean or Caribbean itinerary. You'll catch all the unforgettable sights there are to see, while enjoying all there is to enjoy about a Carnival cruise.

Carnival Conquest

This mega-liner has thirteen decks and a passenger capacity of 2974, served by a crew of 1150. 60% of Carnival Conquest’s staterooms offer ocean views, over half of them from private balconies. Like most of the huge-scale Carnival Fun Ships, Conquest specialises in parties: depending on the season you might find yourself dancing at Mardi Gras or celebrating Halloween.

Carnival Dream

It's time to start livin' the dream with our most visionary ship yet. First setting sail in September 2009, CARNIVAL DREAM was designed to be the largest and most innovative floating resort in our "Fun Ship" fleet. Among many amazing features, she will boast more outdoor deck space, more stateroom categories, the largest spa we've ever built, Carnival Waterworks and a new dining and entertainment complex called The Piazza.

Carnival Ecstasy

Like her sister ship Sensation, Ecstasy has undergone a refurbishment after assisting with relief issues following Hurricane Katrina. A mini-golf course was created, and Camp Carnival was relocated and given more room – which is important because at one point there were more than six hundred children registered with the Camp during a single spring holiday week! There’s a new Internet cafe and a late afternoon sushi bar. There’s no adults only pool and this ship is notable for the number of passengers who have two, three or more young children in tow.

Carnival Elation

Making her debut in 1998, Carnival Elation has become a firm favourite with people that appreciate her expansive, breezy open spaces and casual, freewheeling on board vibe. With upper deck pools and a stunningly beautiful atrium lobby, Carnival Elation is a ship that offers ample opportunities for indulgent fun in the sun, or just total relaxation in a stylish, laid back resort style of ship.

Carnival Fantasy

The pioneer Carnival mega cruise ship, Carnival Fantasy first entered service in 1990, but she has been updated many time since. Today, with her RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, she is as refreshingly up to date and brimming with fun things to do as any of her fleet mates. From the tranquil relaxation areas of her upper deck spa, to the full on, fast paced floor shows hosted in her multi level show theatre, the Carnival Fantasy truly does live up to her name.

Carnival Fascination

The Carnival Fascination is one of the line's seven Fantasy class ships. Entering service in 1994, she has since been extensively refurbished to offer a consistently top notch holiday adventure in the sun. With no shortage of bars, restaurants, and areas for simply kicking back and letting the world go by, the Carnival Fascination is a highly styled, mid sized resort ship that will appeal to all ages.

Carnival Freedom

Suave, huge and stacked full of fun things to do for all ages, Carnival Freedom is an all singing, all dancing, highly styled resort on the ocean. Brimming with bars, bistros, pools and sizzling night life from stem to stern, Carnival Freedom will allow to you be as indolent or indulgent as the mood takes you, at any hour of the day or night.

Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory is a modern, magnificent 110,00 ton floating resort, chock full of things designed to amaze, amuse and entertain people of all ages from nine to ninety, from dawn till the early hours. She is one of the pre-eminent 'Fun Ships' cruising the Caribbean and, after only a short amount of time spent on board, you'll begin to understand just why that is.

Carnival Horizon

Expected to make waves in 2018 the Carnival Horizon plans to unite the best of all their previous ships.

Carnival Imagination

One of the original seven Fantasy class ships, Carnival Imagination offers everything you could want on a cruise. From mini golf to Filet Mignon, two swimming pools and three children's clubs, this 70,000 ton resort on water has something to appeal to all age ranges and groups, twenty four hours a day. One of the most bubbly and vibrant cruise ships afloat, Carnival Imagination packs a lot of holiday into a short amount of time.

Carnival Inspiration

Sailing on short, fun filled cruises out of Long Beach, California to Pacific Mexico, Carnival Inspiration lives up to her name. With cutting edge facilities and fun things to do in a classy, comfortable environment, the Carnival Inspiration is a complete holiday resort in her own right. From full scale, past paced floor shows staged in a stunning, multi story theatre to non stop casino action into the early hours, the ship offers as much full on fun as anyone can possibly handle.

Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend is one of the four- ship 'Spirit' class owned by the company. She came into service in 2001, and marked an entirely new design for the company. With expansive, aft facing decks and a pool area with a sliding glass roof in the middle of the ship, Carnival Legend is a stunning, contemporary cruise ship that, because of her clever design, still manages to feel surprisingly intimate in many areas.

Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty is 110,00 tons of sun kissed fun on the ocean; a fully inclusive resort hotel that moves the scenery while you drink, dine and dance through the time spent on board. With multiple pools, bars and even a small shopping arcade, this vast, vivacious ship has everything you could possibly need for the ultimate holiday, and possibly a few surprises along the way, too.

Carnival Magic

The 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, the second in Carnival's Dream class, is set to launch in May 2011. The first-in-class Carnival Dream debuted in September 2009. Much of what's found onboard Carnival Dream will be on sister ship Carnival Magic, including the 11,250-square-foot adults-only Serenity area.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival Miracle

Miracle’s theme is fictional icons – everybody from Superman to Hercules Poirot! She’s one of the slim, fast Spirit class of cruise liners and passengers can expect a streamlined experience except at dining hours, when queues do still form. The Frankenstein’s Lab night-club is a high point, used by teenagers until midnight it becomes a surprisingly jolly late bar for adults afterwards. 80% of her cabins are outdoor ones, which is good news for those who get claustrophobic without a window.

Carnival Panorama

Carnival Paradise

The Fantasy class of Carnival cruise liners (Fantasy, Ecstasy, Inspiration, Imagination, Fascination, Elation, Sensation and Paradise) are all undergoing, or have undergone, major refurbishments as part of the Evolutions of Fun programme. For Paradise this has delivered upgraded cabins and a redesigned spa, but because this cruise ship takes short cruises only (three days up to a week at most) there are none of the luxury cabins and suites found on other Carnival Vessels.

Carnival Pride

Carnival Pride’s theme is beauty, which has raised a few eyebrows among more conservative American customers, but if you’re not likely to be offended by nude male statue in the dining room, or bare breasts by Rubens in the corridors, then this ship has a great deal to offer.

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Sensation

Launched in 1993, Carnival's Sensation underwent a significant refurbishment before re-entering service in 2006 after helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Carnival Spirit

Spirit is one of the Carnival liners that cruises to Alaska, which gives her passenger profile two distinct patterns – older, quieter passengers on the Alaskan trips and younger (or multi-generational) groups on the other, generally Mexican, sailings. Some people find the ‘Spirit’ theme confusing – it does mean that every public room on the ship has a different decorative style: the spirit of China, the spirit of Egypt and so on. Notable features here are the wedding chapel, which is lovely, and the gym which offers cruise travellers superb views out over the ocean while they exercise.

Carnival Splendor

Much more than nice, grand, pleasing or pretty, everything about this floating resort will be nothing less than splendid. From the Gold Pearl restaurant and the Red Carpet dance club to the California Roll sushi bar and Royal Flush casino, everything aboard this fabulous new ship will be a celebration of life's splendid moments.

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunshine

Fresh off a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the Carnival Sunshine is better than ever and packed with places to have fun. With three pools, a variety of eateries, lounges, nightclubs, a friendly casino, duty-free shopping and Spa Carnival, a cruise on this amazing Fun Ship is the vacation you were born to take. Ship's Registry: The Bahamas.

Carnival Triumph

There tends to be a big plus and a big minus to Carnival Triumph – and taking those into account when choosing your cruise will help you understand this: the downside is that many, many cruise passengers complain that they find the ship’s layout confusing. Even regular cruisers say it takes three times as long to learn their way around the ship as usual. That’s the downside, so what’s the upside?...

Carnival Valor

Valor has many things going for her, but her layout can cause head-scratching, to say the least. As an example to get to the Internet café you have to go into Winston's Cigar, the ship's lounge for cigar smokers, meaning that non-smokers have no choice but to bring a laptop and use the ship wide wifi, or indulge in passive smoking. That aside, the ship is fun-filled with a good children’s activity programme and their own wading pool. Fellow passengers will tend to be predominantly American with only 30% of them being over 55, according to Carnival.

Carnival Victory

One of Carnival’s Destiny class of ships, Victory was launched in 2000 and has had a 2007 refurbishment, but despite this, most travellers feel she has an ambience that ranges from ‘comfortable’ to ‘well-worn’ depending on who you speak to!

Carnival Vista

The first of two new sister ships, Carnival Vista is the largest ship in the current fleet. While brim full of all the seagoing fun and sizzle of the other 'Fun Ships', the size of the new ship has allowed her to introduce some new features that are all of her own.

The cruise line are best known for their fun ships (which also happen to be some of the largest cruise ships in the world), casual atmosphere and laid back approach to American-style cruising. Whether you’re looking for a fun, action packed informal cruise holiday, a relaxing beach holiday or a city break, then Carnival can offer you your ideal voyage. If you are looking for a replacement for popular Ocean Village and like the idea of American-style cruising, then a Carnival cruise could be just what you need.

When it comes to dining, Carnival offer plenty of options to suit everyone’s needs. Choose to reserve a table for either an Early or Late sitting, or choose Your Time open seating, which offers a more flexible approach to dining on a first-come first-served basis. There are plenty of breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and snack options onboard, with speciality restaurants, a main dining room and more casual low-key options. Just some of the cuisine options found across the Carnival fleet include a steak restaurant, fresh sushi, Italian delicacies, delicious Mongolian food, hot dogs on the go and grilled to order BBQ. The dining dress code onboard all Carnival ships is Cruise Casual and there will also be one or two optional Cruise Elegant evenings during your sailing.

No matter what your age, you’ll always find something to do onboard Carnival with a range of exciting activities. Laugh the night away at the Punchliner Comedy Club, enjoy nightly musical revues with Playlist Productions or even participate in a live game show. On top of that, you’ll also find a 3D theatre experience, outdoor movie nights, SportsSquare (the home of mini golf, an outdoor ropes course and more), plus Carnival WaterWorks, the onboard water park. If you’re still not tired, then there’s a fitness centre, yoga & pilates classes and a host of other sports activities to keep you feeling fit and healthy during your cruise.

If you wish to take a break from all of the excitement, the Serenity Retreat is the adult-only area of the ship where you can go to unwind. Relax in the whirlpool and lounge in the sun, all while experiencing attentive waiter service from the Serenity bar. There is also the Carnival Spa which provides a range of rejuvenating health and beauty treatments and the Cloud 9 Spa resort, which offers private spa accommodation (available on all ships except Carnival Sunshine).

What's included:

Stand out Carnival Inclusive Features: •Carnival 'Waterworks' Water park •Mini Golf & Basketball Court •Serenity (Adults only retreat) •Fine Dining including no extra charge for steak and lobster

Also included: •Spectacular stage shows, Live music & Comedy acts •Carnival's Seaside Theatre •Youth Programs  •24-hour room service •Toiletries and amenities in cabin

Based in the United States, Carnival feature cruises all around the world, with a focus on Caribbean cruises, Mexico and the Bahamas. Carnival cruises to Alaska are also very popular.

If you are considering taking your first cruise holiday, or have children and are interested in cruising, Carnival Cruise Lines are a great choice. There are a number of children’s clubs on each cruise catering for kids aged between 2 and 17, from teenage hangouts to late night programmes to an immersive Dr Seuss experince (adults are allowed too!).   Imaginative activities, parties and a world of fun and games await you!

Carnival Cruises offer fly and cruise holidays, cruising out from the United States. Free economy flights for your Carnival Cruise can be taken from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow. Regional flights from other UK airports are available at a supplement.

Perfect for family cruises, couples, first time cruisers, anyone looking for a relaxed and informal fly and cruise holiday.

Formality Unknown

No. of Ships 31

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Explore our Careers

People Team

Our people team is dedicated to engaging, empowering, supporting, recognising and rewarding colleagues, and it’s their job to make sure that our people have brilliant opportunities and extraordinary experiences. Future ready, they support our awesome leaders to build awesome teams. Continuously listening to our people to understand what matters the most, they’re driven by our values and are guardians of our employee experience and employer brand. They lead by example, helping to shape our distinctive culture where people feel valued and that they belong. And they strive to do the right thing every time, keeping colleagues safe and well.

Technology is part of Carnival UK’s Shared Services team, and we support colleagues ashore, alongside colleagues and guests on board P&O Cruises and Cunard ships. This includes ensuring onboard applications and infrastructure enable a fantastic guest experience, leading on shoreside tools and technologies.

Collaborating regularly with colleagues in our north american and european sister brands we draw on a diverse mix of skills across architecture, strategy and digital, infrastructure and operations, information security, compliance and risk, portfolio management, planning and governance..

As we navigate 2024 and beyond, our long-term vision for Technology is to enable Carnival UK to grow, evolve and transform by continually helping the business to innovate through the application of leading digital technologies. Over the course of the next 5 years, we will significantly transform our IT estate and accelerate delivery of our digital ambitions.

As a result, we’ll:

• Delight our guests with truly personalised and unforgettable holidays, with exceptional service every time.
• Support our stakeholders and colleagues to fulfil their roles with effective technology.
• Have a reputation for solving tomorrow’s problems, in turn making Technology a great place to work.

“Technology sits at the centre of helping colleagues create unforgettable holiday happiness – there isn’t an initiative, project or operation that doesn’t rely on us for support and direction. – We support and enrich the guest journey in many direct and indirect ways – from simple research to satellite internet connectivity. – We work with teams across ship and shore to operate and improve not only the systems our business relies on, but the processes they use and data they need. – Increasingly we are the single touch point for everything our business is becoming. As a vital part of our business, it’s our ambition to be recognised as a valued and trusted team that positively impact the guest and colleague experience. This will drive us to deliver our priorities and short time objectives right now, as well as set our course to lead the way for the future.”

Matt Denny, Chief Technology Officer, Carnival UK

Our Technology Transformation

If you’d like to be part of the Carnival UK technology team, click the button below to see all current opportunities.

We recognise the value in having people with a variety of backgrounds, experience and skills in our business. That means the role requirements for each vacancy should be seen as a guide, not a checklist. If you have more, less or different experiences, but really relevant skills, we’d love to hear from you.

Latest Technology news

Code First Girls and Carnival UK join forces to increase diversity in Tech

Meet the team: Josie Sykes, Data Services, Director

Learn more about life at carnival uk.

Our Finance department comprises 3 areas; Financial Accounting & Control, Financial Planning and Analysis and Finance Change. The team ensures our financials are reported accurately and that we have strong financial control around business as usual and change. It also partners the rest of the business to provide independent support & challenge in the formation and delivery of its plans, delivering insight to drive performance.

Discover more

Procurement and Supply Chain

Procurement and Supply Chain is part of Carnival UK’s Shared Services team and they make sure that our fleet and colleagues ashore have everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it. They source and supply goods and services across food, technical, marketing, IT, ports and many other categories, driving value for money, innovation, quality and service. They’re custodians of ethical and sustainable sourcing, and work closely with our global Carnival brands to leverage the unique scale of Carnival Corporation plc.

Contact Centre Operations (CCO)

As part of Carnival UK’s Shared Services team, the Contact Centre Operation is at the heart of the P&O Cruises and Cunard guest experience. Roles include Personal Cruise Advisor, Flights Advisor, Guest Services Coordinator and Guest Relations Representative, and as the first point of contact for our guests, high levels of service are important. There’s also a variety of support roles working alongside our Contact Centre telephony teams including Service Development, Resource Planning & Performance and Communications.

CCO role spotlight

Charlotte (she/her), guest support representative.

Jay, Senior Team Leader

Ollie (He/Him), Personal Cruise Adviser

Kat (She/Her), Contact Centre Training Specialist

Tiff (She/Her) Partnership Help Desk Team Leader

Rich (He/Him), Resource Planning Executive

As a colleague in the maritime department, you’re part of a team responsible for delivering a safe, compliant, reliable and efficient operation across the P&O Cruises and Cunard fleet, wherever we operate.

Safe operational practices, encompassing health, environment, safety and security are our key pillars. these and the nautical and engineering expertise of colleagues help to create unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests., maritime teams.

The Governance team consists of four areas: Health, Environment, Safety and Security (HESS). It also includes the Nautical team, which ensures full compliance with all G-HESS Marine procedures and supports the fleet in achieving this.

Asset management

Keeping our ships ship-shape through the build and delivery of an effective and efficient maintenance and repair strategy for the P&O Cruises and Cunard fleet.

Fleet technical operations

Delivering technical support and managing asset risks, to provide compliance and availability to deliver operational effectiveness.

Corporate affairs

 Responsible for public affairs and external engagement with priority stakeholders including government, industry and destinations.

Port and shore operations

The Port & Shore Operations team oversee critical aspects of a ship’s journey: • Home Port Operations: Managing embarkation, disembarkation, and logistics at the home port. • Maritime Operations (ORCA, CARE, Operational Resilience): Enhancing safety, supporting our guests and crew and crisis response. • Fuel Management: Efficiently monitoring and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. • Itinerary Planning: Designing engaging routes and port schedules for a seamless voyage.

Continuous improvement

Coordinating and overseeing projects that run as programmes to augment normal business operations and help the organisation to change and improve.

There are five functions within the team: Portfolio and Project Management; Maritime Data and Information; Planned Management System; Refit Planning; Maritime Communications

At Carnival Corporation & plc, our purpose is to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guests by providing extraordinary cruise vacations, while honoring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch.

Maritime careers at sea.

We have three separate marketing teams at Carnival House – P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises. Our marketing teams maximise opportunity for the businesses and to create focused, meaningful communications that help to grow existing audiences, as well as appealing to new ones, and to promote the brand both on board and ashore. We have specialists across advertising, CRM, brand, PR, digital, loyalty and the creative studio.

P&O Cruises

The P&O Cruises Sales and Marketing team is key to helping P&O Cruises achieve its ambition to become Britain’s #1 holiday choice. Their team of experts drive innovation and effectiveness across the entire customer communications and engagement journey, from using advertising and digital media to source newcomers, to creating meaningful and personalised relationships with our current guests.

Working closely with internal and external teams, as well as our trade partners, they strive to deliver the very best guest experience, ensuring a seamless and efficient journey from the moment a cruise is booked.

The Cunard Sales and Marketing team is instrumental in the success of Cunard and their aim to be the benchmark of luxury travel.

The Sales team find new routes to market for our brand, alongside developing existing partnerships, and working with our ship-based sales managers. They also manage communications, systems, and events to ensure our travel trade partners are at the centre of all that we do.

The Marketing team of advertising, CRM, brand, PR, digital, guest loyalty and creative studio, maximise opportunity and create focused, meaningful communications that help grow existing audiences as well as appealing to new ones.

Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the third largest cruise line in the world, renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer service.

Their team of 35,000 employees worldwide serves—or supports those who serve—1.7 million guests sailing to 300 destinations each year. Their employees call more than 70 countries home, creating a diverse and welcoming environment throughout the company along with many rewarding multicultural experiences

Revenue Management and Deployment

Our revenue management department manages the pricing of our products to make sure that the maximum revenue is obtained. The department also plans the destination and future itineraries of each of our ships, as well as managing our fly cruise offering and land products. This department is exceptionally commercial in nature and collaborates considerably with the wider business. Setting the strategy, vision and future for how the business will maximise revenues.

Medical Team

If you’re looking to fast-track your medical career, becoming a cruise medic is just the ticket.

Join our team and you’ll gain skills and qualifications as you work in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. Our well-equipped medical centres and people-centric business ethics ensure quality patient care, with opportunities for invaluable experience across all medical specialisms.

Our teams work hard with exceptional resilience, and there’s amazing travel experiences, alongside a stable salary and the benefits of working in the private healthcare sector.

Your career at sea

As a cruise medic you’ll grow both technical and non-technical skills, supported by a team both on board and ashore.

We’ll help you broaden your independent practitioner skillset while providing gold standard care in a unique environment. Gain technical skills such as running blood tests or performing X-rays, alongside first responder duties supporting the team with immediate patient care and transfers. You’ll also learn about the management and upkeep of a standalone medical department, including maintaining rosters, supplies, and equipment.

From a personal perspective, you’ll work within a team of other experienced medical professionals, developing strong working relationships to bring the best out of yourself and others. And should you return to shore, your years of ship experience will help you secure a more senior role.

Your career path

Join our team

If you’re a Doctor at least 4-years post-qualified, or a Nurse at least 3-years post-qualified, with A&E or ICU experience, we’d love you to have you on board!

Being part of our medical team has its benefits...

Read latest medical news

Dr Alex George on board

GP becomes cruise ship Doctor

At Carnival House our sales teams specialise in building relationships, ensuring that our trade partners have the finest knowledge of our products. Our teams also manage sales communications, systems, and events to provide the best tools and support, ensuring that our travel trade partners are at the centre of all that we do. In addition to supporting travel agents, the sales team also provides support to a team of ship based sales managers and work with third parties to find new routes to market for our brands.

Corporate Shipbuilding

Our Corporate Shipbuilding function focuses on the design, development and build of all of the new ships for Carnival Corporation across the world, through our Design Engineers and Architects as well as Project Specialists. We have a presence in all the major shipyards where our ships are being built, supervising construction and ensuring quality standards. We work closely with each of the Brands that are part of the Carnival Corporation to deliver vessels that exceed guest expectations. Our remit and global footprint is growing, making this an exciting time to join our team.

Product & Commercial Services

Our Product and commercial services team are the front line of customer service – dealing directly with guests via the call centre, and supporting our people on board via the hotel operations departments. To ensure we maintain our reputation for delicious food and beverage, enticing entertainment and world class shops and spas; both on our existing fleet and new ships – the team ensure on time, efficient and revenue maximising delivery through our supply chain for unforgettable holiday happiness.

Graduates and Apprenticeship

For a life less ordinary…

As a Graduate on one of our programmes your personal development plan will take shape during your time on the Flagship Programme. Your development will include a variety of approaches that will best enable you to deliver in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Whether you are on-board one of our beautiful ships or on a shore based programme we will be looking to shape our leaders of the future. You will be joining an exciting yet complex operation that delivers daily across the globe. We have designed your rotations with that in mind, so expect a uniquely challenging programme intended to give you a solid grounding in the discipline of your choosing.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your career at sea as a Carnival UK Cadet

P&O Cruises and Cunard are two of the most iconic British cruise brands, brought to life by colleagues at Carnival UK. Every year we help hundreds of people start their career at sea through a number of exciting cadetship training programmes.

If you’re in school, college or university and starting to think about your future, Carnival UK can offer you all the adventure and opportunity you’ve been looking for. It’s an exciting way to meet new people, pick up fantastic skills, start your seafaring career and, most importantly, gain experiences that’ll stay with you for a lifetime.

When you join as a cadet, you’ll take part in all kinds of activities, and you’ll also have the opportunity to travel, gain top qualifications, and get paid for it too. We’ll even pay your tuition fees to help you stay debt-free while you train with us.

So, whether you’re looking for a foundation degree, a full-time career, or just want to meet new people and see some of the world, you’ll find the all the opportunities you need at Carnival UK.

Choose your Cadet career

New engineer graduate cadetship.

If you have an engineering qualification (either mechanical or electrical) you can fast-tack your Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Engineer Graduate Cadetship programme available at South Shields Marine School and Warsash Maritime Academy.

Engineering Cadet

We support cadetships on both the HND (High National Diploma), Foundation Degree and the Scottish Diploma.

As a Engineer Cadet, you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s engine room and all of its mechanical equipment. You will need the ability to evaluate the problems arising in the complex high-tech world of a modern cruise ship, make prompt decisions and take effective corrective measures.

As a Deck Officer Cadet, you’ll learn how to navigate by both traditional and modern means, supervise the crew at a variety of tasks, and ensure the overall safe operation of the ship.

Electro-Technical Cadet

This MNTB programme leads to the award of a Foundation Degree and MCA UK Certificate of Competency. We also support a HND (High National Diploma) programme for electro-technical cadetships.

As an Electro-Technical Cadet you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s electro-technical equipment. That includes everything related to the electrical generating plant, electronic/automated control systems, bridge navigational equipment and entertainment system s.

Just search ‘Cadet’ in the ‘What’ box to see all Cadetship opportunities

Study at any of these maritime colleges

Glasgow College of Nautical Studies

Glasgow College of Nautical Studies is situated in the heart of Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde. Its famous School of Marine and Mechanical Engineering is dedicated to giving you the highest quality education and training available.

Warsash Maritime School, Southampton

For over 75 years, Warsash Maritime School has provided first class training, consultancy and research to the international shipping and offshore oil industries. Part of Solent University in Southampton City Centre, the School provides internationally recognised certification programmes for deck, METO and engineer officers from cadet level to master (captain) and chief engineer.

Fleetwood Nautical College, Fleetwood

Fleetwood Nautical College is widely recognised as one of the top nautical colleges in the country. That’s why it’s been designated as a National Beacon of Excellence and was recently re-accredited for the Charter Mark in recognition of the excellent service it provides.

South Tyneside College, South Shields

South Tyneside College (South Shields Marine School) are proud to be a world-renowned centre of excellence for marine education and training. Established in 1861, they offer programmes across the whole spectrum of marine education and nautical sciences, including navigation, and marine engineering and electrical engineering.

Latest Cadet news

New Engineering and Electro Technical Graduate Cadetship

Emily Davies, Cadet

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The one thing cruise ship passengers do that drives crew mad

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Cruise ships have their own set of rules , and a holiday at sea isn’t like your average getaway.

Lucy Southerton, 28, from  Birmingham , has been working on cruise liners for the past nine years, meaning she knows all the tips and tricks to get the most from your time aboard .

On her YouTube channel, Cruising as Crew , she shares her knowledge to ensure first-time passengers avoid common pitfalls – and the mistake cruise newbies make most can end up ruining your break.

According to Lucy, ‘treating a cruise like an all-inclusive holiday’ is the main faux pas she notices at work.

She said: ‘If some people have solely done all-inclusive holidays, they make the mistake of thinking a cruise vacation is very similar to that.

‘So a lot of people do not budget for extra expenses while they are on board because they have the misconception that most things will be free.’

The crew member says that although things like buffet meals will be included in the price of your trip, dining at certain restaurants on board or going on excursions often costs extra.

Forgetting to factor this into a budget can ‘really ruin people’s vacation’, Lucy says, as they have to miss out on things they perhaps looked forward to.

Gratuities are a big deal on a cruise too, so it’s recommended to set aside some cash to tip staff at the end of your holiday.

She said: ‘With a lot of cruises, you get hit with the gratuity bill at the end, which I have also seen a lot of people not budget for.’

Want to win a cruising holiday for 2?

Do you love cruising? Are you an intrepid traveller? Maybe you just like looking at pictures of luxe ships. No matter which, we want you to vote!

Metro has partnered with the Sailawaze Excellence Awards , highlighting the very best in cruising when it comes to sustainability, wellness, entertainment and beyond.

And we need YOU to simply select what you’ve been most impressed by.

The best bit? By voting you’ll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500.

Say bon voyage to the more traditional categories of 'best large ship' or 'best luxury cruise line' and instead ahoy to innovation, food and drink and showstopping performances.

Vote for your favourite here .

Nominations in the Sailawaze Excellence Awards 2024:

Food & beverage.

Virgin Voyages

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Judges’ Picks:

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Judges’ Picks

Sustainability.

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

Celebrity Cruises

VIVA Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Saga Cruises

A- Rosa Cruises

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

A-Rosa Cruises

Alongside this, Lucy claims first-time ‘cruisers’ can struggle with the tight timings ships have to adhere to and miss their departure after a stop.

She said: ‘They get off at the port, go off and explore by themselves, which is part of the fun – but what they don’t allow for is time to get back. It obviously makes things very difficult for the cruise line and it is just an all-around mess.

‘So, when you’re on a cruise, it is very different from a hotel that is going to stay stationary. You absolutely have to make it a priority to get back to the ship on time and ask crew members what the traffic is like at each port if you’re getting a taxi to a certain destination.’

Her next warning is around travel insurance, which is particularly vital to get at the time of booking because cruises can get cancelled or flights to your starting destination can be delayed.

Lucy said: ‘Unlike a land holiday, where if your flight is eight hours late and the hotel stays where it is, the cruise ship moves so if your flight is eight hours delayed that’s going to mean you’ll miss it.

‘You absolutely have to get travel insurance as soon as you book the cruise.’

Overbooking excursions is another no-no, so try to balance ‘some exciting days but some relaxing days’ when planning out your itinerary to avoid ending up exhausted.

Lucy also advises pre-booking activities or excursions rather than leaving it to the last minute, ensuring you pack essentials (including medication), researching ports ahead of time, and listening carefully to safety briefings so you’re prepared for emergencies.

And, last but not least, she urges first-timers to always consider where their cabin is – particularly if they might be prone to seasickness.

She says: ‘You want to be in the centre of the ship. You don’t want to be in the back, you definitely don’t want to be in the front, because that’s where you’re going to feel the movement the most.

‘So when you book a cabin, make sure it is in the centre of the ship, and make sure the cabin you book is surrounded by other cabins.’

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Lucy adds: ‘The cheaper cabins will have a restaurant or a gym above them and it’s going to be noisy, so cabin location is really important.’

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